This mural is of an old story about a tsunami that destroyed Kaneohe up to the Ko‘olau Mountains. After crisis, they can rebuild their home and there will be new life. The oli “Huliau” tells us “to turn and look to the past so we can move on to the future.”

The central wahineʻs name, Kameha‘ikana, means the multitude of generations. She represents not only the land, but the generations of life that come from the land. This is shown with the babies and baby kalo that is growing out of the land. The pattern at the bottom of the Mele Mural shows triangles that represent the foundation and families that raise our youth.

The ‘iwa bird carries the blue torch, “Kalamakū,” the hottest portion of the fire. It reminds the youth to be the torch to light up the sky and shine. The youth of Hoʻoʻulu ‘Opio Academy are urged to transform Hawai‘i and be the “Kalamakū.” With the hardships facing todayʻs youth painting this Mele Mural and understanding our history helps them with their personal lives.

‘ŌiwiTV video: https://vimeo.com/184593551